Savage AXIS 2 XP Compact 6.5 Creedmoor 20-inch LH w/ 3-9×40

About this product

The Savage AXIS 2 XP Compact 6.5 Creedmoor 20-inch LH w/ 3-9×40 is a left-handed, bolt-action hunting rifle with a factory-mounted scope designed for portability and immediate field capability. Savvy shooters know the short-action 6.5 Creedmoor, with its 120–140 grain factory ammo selection, performs exceptionally well in barrels under 22 inches, contrary to outdated conventional wisdom. This 39.5-inch rifle is a direct implementation of that compact-build knowledge, a point I emphasize in my suppressor and short-barrel rifle analysis at my range outside Bozeman.

What is the Savage AXIS 2 XP Compact used for?

This rifle is for hunters and marksmen requiring a compact, left-handed bolt action, such as for shooting from tree stands or navigating tight timber where every inch and pound matters. The out-of-the-box boresight with the included 3-9×40 Weaver scope gets you zeroed within 1-1.5 MOA at 100 yards with match grade ammo, saving 30-45 minutes of setup time. With its 20-inch heavy sporter barrel, it's also a viable candidate for a future application to the ATF for a Form 1 tax stamp to create a short-barreled rifle for use with a suppressor, thanks to the 1:8 twist stabilizing heavy, subsonic loads.

How does the Savage AXIS 2 XP Compact compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Savage AXIS 2 XP Compact offers a superior trigger and a complete, optics-ready package, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a more basic, value-oriented rifle. Savage's user-adjustable AccuTrigger provides a crisp 2.5 to 6-pound pull range you can dial in precisely, whereas the Stevens features a fixed-spring trigger. The inclusion of the Weaver scope in the Savage package represents a $120-$150 value and immediate readiness the Stevens lacks, making the Savage the better choice for a first-time left-handed hunter.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The unloaded weight is 7.5 pounds, and key dimensions include a 20-inch heavy sporter barrel and a 39.5-inch overall length, making it approximately 4 inches shorter than a standard 24-inch hunting rifle. At that weight with a scope, the balance point sits just forward of the action, which is critical for off-hand shooting stability. The detachable magazine adds 6.2 ounces when loaded with four rounds of Hornady 143-grain ELD-X ammunition.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a right-handed shooter, nor is it for a long-range precision competitor needing a target-action receiver and heavy barrel. The synthetic stock and factory trigger, while competent, lack the fine-tuning and solid bedding required for repeated <0.5 MOA performance at 1000 yards. Choose a purpose-built chassis rifle for that application; this is a field-ready tool optimized for the 6.5 Creedmoor's sweet spot under 600 yards.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle with factory-mounted and boresighted 3-9×40 Weaver scope, one detachable 4-round box magazine, and factory paperwork. The scope is secured using Savage's proprietary one-piece base integrated into the receiver, a design that prevents ring misalignment but necessitates using Weaver-style rings. Expect to spend another $25-$40 on a torque wrench to properly set the ring screws to 18 in-lbs to maintain that boresight.

Is the Savage AXIS 2 XP Compact worth it at $505.99?

Yes, for a left-handed hunter needing an immediate, capable 6.5 Creedmoor platform, it provides significant value versus piecing together a rifle and optic separately. The total cost of a comparable bare rifle, budget scope, rings, and gunsmith mounting would start at $650, based on current market pricing. The primary trade-off is the Weaver brand scope, which is serviceable but will be the first component a serious shooter upgrades, as its adjustments are less tactile than a Vortex or Leupold.